Cats are capable of many things that leave us confused and scratching our heads. It’s often hard to know if something that seems strange to us is actually normal for cats.
When it comes to eating cat poop, we can safely say that this is not normal behavior no matter how hard your cat tries to make it normal. Eating cat litter is often associated with an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. Here are some possible reasons why your cat may be eating cat litter and what you can do to help them stop this behavior.
The 10 Reasons Why Cats Eat Cat Litter
1. Pica
Pica refers to a condition where cats will chew or eat inedible materials and objects. Cats with pica are known to eat things like cardboard, plants, soil, and wood. They may also have a habit of eating cat litter.
Pica can be caused by a variety of factors, it can be seen as a sign of an underlying medical condition or it can be a behavioral problem. Some medical conditions that have been linked to pica include endocrine diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and parasitic infections.
2. Dietary Deficiency
Sometimes, cats may start eating cat litter and other materials due to a nutrient deficiency. They do this in an attempt to compensate for any essential nutrients that are lacking in their daily diet. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from your veterinarian and make sure your cat is eating high-quality cat food and eating the appropriate portions. Making healthy adjustments to their diet can end your cat’s habit of eating litter.
3. Anemia
Anemia can be related to nutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency, so some anemic cats may begin to eat. Deficiencies in riboflavin, vitamin B12, and niacin can also cause anemia.
Other signs of anemia include low energy, little stamina, pale gums, and lethargy. After the cat’s health is restored and any nutritional deficiencies are addressed, the cat’s litter eating habit usually disappears.
4. Curiosity
Cats are curious animals, so they may just be interested in playing with and tasting cat litter. Cats may feel happy or have a strange texture that the cat likes to taste. In most cases of curiosity, your cat will usually taste cat litter a few times before they lose interest. So, if your cat continues to eat cat litter on multiple occasions, it’s safe to say that it’s not because they’re curious about it.
5. taste
Sometimes, cats can enjoy the taste of their cats and develop a liking for it. This usually happens when their cats are made with natural materials such as grass, wheat, or corn husks.
If your cat likes the taste of their cat litter, you can try switching to another cat litter made with a different material. You can also try giving them catnip as a safe alternative.
6. Coprophagia
Coprophagia refers to a condition that causes cats to eat their own feces. Cats with coprophagia may look like they’re eating cat litter, but they’re actually eating their own poop.
Coprophagia is often a sign of another underlying health condition, such as malnutrition, colitis, or dementia. Therefore, it is important to take your cat to your vet if they start eating their own poop.
7. Boredom
Cats that feel bored or anxious can use cat litter food. Eating litter can be a way to cheer up bored cats, or it can be a habit that cats develop when they feel stressed or anxious.
Making sure your cat gets enough exercise and playtime can help alleviate boredom. Providing mentally stimulating activities such as toy treat dispensers can also prevent boredom. Alleviating boredom may cause your cat to stop eating litter.
8. Hyperthyroidism
Sometimes, cats with hyperthyroidism may start eating cat litter. High thyroid hormone levels can increase a cat’s appetite and metabolism, which can lead them to eat inedible things like cat litter.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in cats, and it is most common in older cats. Other signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, drinking more than usual, poor body condition, and an enlarged thyroid gland.
9. Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are a rare type of cancer and an uncommon cause of cat eating. However, brain tumors can affect a cat’s behavior depending on their location and it is possible for them to increase hunger.
Older cats over 10 years of age have a higher risk of developing brain tumors.
10. Intestinal Parasites
It is not entirely clear what the link between intestinal parasites and pica is, but some cats with intestinal parasites such as worms will also develop pica. Cats can be constantly hungry, which can cause them to start eating inedible things.
Treatment will vary because there are different types of intestinal parasites. Once your cat is free from an intestinal parasite infestation, their pica usually disappears as well.
Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Cat Litter?
It is not safe for cats to eat cat litter, so it is important to find an effective solution to prevent them from ingesting it. Some cat litter is not safe to eat and can cause intestinal blockage. Clumping clay litter and silica litter are both types of cat litter that are particularly unsafe for food. It’s usually okay if a small amount gets into your cat’s mouth, but eating a lot can cause complications in the gastrointestinal system.
Eating cat litter is also unsanitary. Ingestion of parasites and bacteria from contaminated cat litter can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
How to Stop Cats from Eating Cat Litter
The first step in stopping your cat from eating cat litter is to take your cat to your veterinarian. Because eating cat litter is often associated with a medical issue, it’s important to take your cat in for a physical exam. Your vet can also run diagnostic tests to find the reason behind your cat’s litter-eating behavior. If your vet can find a diagnosis, they can provide a treatment plan to help your cat return to good health. In many cases, cats will stop eating cat litter once they recover.
If your cat continues to eat cat litter, try switching to a different brand or type of cat litter. This can make cat litter less palatable to your cat and prevent them from eating it. Also be sure to play with your cat regularly and distract them with another activity if you see them going to their litter box to eat cat litter.
Conclusion
Cats can start eating cat litter for a variety of reasons, but this behavior is often related to a health issue. Therefore, it is best to take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice that they are starting to eat cat feces. Your veterinarian can help you understand what is causing this behavior and how you can prevent it from happening.
Along with seeking medical help for your cat, it’s important to make sure they lead a healthy lifestyle that consists of a healthy diet, adequate amounts of exercise, and mentally stimulating activities. Prioritizing your cat’s health can prevent them from eating cat litter and developing other unsafe or unhealthy habits.
Featured Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock
